She lay in her bed that night, eyes fixed to the ceiling.
The silence in her room echoed her thoughts.
Should I really work there…?
Her heart wasn't ready.
But her reality didn't offer choices.
She needed this job. And maybe… maybe she needed him too, even if she wouldn't admit it.
---
The next morning, she dressed simply but gracefully.
Hair pinned, eyes tired but focused.
She stood in front of the house once again — this time, as his employee.
As she stepped in, laughter filled the space.
Not from him — but from a child.
She paused.
There he was.
Kneeling, laughing, playfully tossing a small toy in the air.
A little boy giggling in his arms.
Her eyes softened. She recognized the child instantly.
The manager's son.
She remembered the interviews —
How Kalix often talked about him, how his voice grew gentler, warmer whenever the boy was mentioned.
That boy… was his calm. His anchor.
And now she was witnessing it in real.
Then the manager noticed her and approached, holding a folder.
"There's a contract," he said, nodding toward the studio.
"Read it carefully, sign when ready."
She walked into the studio — beautiful, minimalistic, but welcoming.
She read the contract line by line. She always did.
It was standard, except one line stood out.
"The secretary must be available to travel with the employer when required."
Her hand hesitated.
With him?
She glanced around, then signed.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
Her pen froze.
Kalix walked in — file in hand, face tight with frustration.
His presence shifted the energy in the room.
His eyes locked with hers.
And just like that… something changed.
His furrowed brows relaxed.
His jaw unclenched.
His entire stance… softened.
But he said nothing. Just handed the manager the file and walked to the side to discuss something quietly.
Whatever anger he carried, it had faded the moment he saw her.
The manager glanced back once, nodded, and left the room.
Then it was just them.
Kalix turned to her, calm now.
"We have to go to an important meeting."
She blinked. "A meeting? I—this is my first day… I don't even know what to do yet. I don't have the documents or—"
"You don't need them," he interrupted, gently.
"You don't have to do anything."
A beat of silence.
Then his eyes met hers, quiet but intense.
"Just be by my side."